Dr. Haq, a Research Associate at the Stockholm Environment Institute based in York, has published a report claiming that the age group of 50 to 64 leave the largest carbon footprint. It is the first analysis of the UK carbon footprint by age.

Research showed that people between 50 and 64 have, on average, a carbon footprint of 13.52 tonnes a year, almost two tonnes over the UK average. In addition to producing the most carbon, this age group are also the most concerned about climate change. Fears for their grandchildren’s generation mean they want the government to take more action in order to tackle the problem of global warming.

The report shows that even if individuals are aware of the effect their lifestyles may have on the environment around them, the government and businesses need to act to help provide an infrastructure and incentives to make a low-carbon lifestyle a positive, cheaper and easier option.
Researchers conducted a survey of over 700 people aged over 50 in North Yorkshire. Many of those questioned claimed that barriers linked to transport, waste and energy stopped them from living a carbon efficient lifestyle. The report is part of the project ‘Climate Talk’, which aims to raise awareness of climate change.

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